Up to $25,000 Available to Support Tri-County Nonprofit Organizations
WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council welcomes grant proposals from nonprofit organizations of all types for programs, projects, or initiatives that strengthen the quality of life in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
The Council will evaluate each proposal for a share of up to $25,000 in available grant funding. This opportunity is not limited to youth programs or initiatives.
For consideration, completed grant applications must be submitted no later than Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Council members will notify finalists selected to present proposals. The Council will recommend grants for funding to the Community Foundation’s board of directors. This past round, the Youth Philanthropy Council awarded five grants totaling $25,000 in support to nonprofit organizations that serve tri-county residents.
Grants from the Youth Philanthropy Council have helped organizations launch innovative programs, enhance the resources and services they provide, expand learning and enrichment, increase access to essential services, strengthen community connections, and highlight the region’s cultural, historical, and recreational assets. The Council seeks to support work that demonstrates meaningful community impact, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to lasting positive change across Northern New York.
“This is an ideal opportunity for organizations across the region to connect and engage with the next generation of leaders and increase the awareness of the work being done to make our community a better place,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We are hoping for a wide range of applications that support a variety of programs, projects and initiatives and challenge the students to allocate resources in the best way possible.”
The Youth Philanthropy Council grant application may be completed online through the Foundation’s grant portal at bit.ly/grant-portal. All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are invited to apply. Organizations should register as a user in the grant portal before applying. Nonprofits already registered with an account should use existing login information to access and start the application.
By applying, nonprofits not only have the chance to secure funding, but also to help local high school students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and strengths within their own communities. This partnership between nonprofits and young leaders is a pillar the Council’s purpose and impact. Contact Emily Pfeil, Community Foundation philanthropy associate, emily@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110, with questions or to learn more.
“I greatly encourage nonprofit organizations of all missions to apply for a project-based grant,” Council Grants Committee Chair and South Jefferson Central senior William Steward said. “From grants addressing animal welfare to funding theater programs, the Council receives and welcomes a wide variety of applications with all considered under equal review by Council members. Good luck to all of those who apply.”
The Youth Philanthropy Council and its grant program are made possible by gifts from donors who make contributions to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund and generous underwriting support from Watertown Savings Bank, RBC Wealth Management Watertown, the Renzi Family Charitable Foundation, the Mart Liinve Fund, and the Timerman Family Fund.
This year’s Youth Philanthropy Council includes 17 student delegates, representing Carthage and Lyme Central schools, General Brown, Immaculate Heart Central, and South Jefferson and Watertown High schools. Representatives from each school district are: Carthage: Valerie Akins, junior; General Brown: Isabel Mendez, junior; Immaculate Heart Central: Julia Tontarski, junior, and Alexandria Zajac, junior; Lyme: Maxwell Hunt, junior; South Jefferson: Oliver King, junior, Annabelle Renzi, junior, William Steward, senior, and Lydia Tremont, junior; Watertown: Caitlin Daugherty, junior, Gaige Doroha, junior, Hudson Guldenpfennig, junior, Nola Johnson, junior, Lucy Swartz, junior, Trey Urf, junior, April Wang, senior, and Frances Weir, junior.
Since its inception in 2010, the Youth Philanthropy Council has awarded 155 grants totaling $285,070 in support to nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
In the past 15 years, nearly 170 students representing nine Northern New York high schools have been appointed to serve on the Youth Philanthropy Council.
A team of staff and volunteer advisors mentor students through the yearlong program. Advisors are Emily Sprague, senior advisor, and Northern New York Community Foundation Board Vice Chair; Kraig Everard, Community Foundation director of stewardship and programs; Leslie Renzi, volunteer advisor; and Emily Pfeil, Community Foundation philanthropy associate.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.
